Mesothelioma

Construction workers, industrial workers, military veterans and others who worked with asbestos-contaminated products are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Repeated exposure to asbestos case fibers causes chronic inflammation that damages mesothelium and causes DNA changes.

The risk of malignant mesothelioma is increased proportionally to cumulative exposure, and to a third or fourth power from the first exposure. It can take between 10 and 50 years after exposure for symptoms to appear.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is one type of cancer that develops in the cells that cover the body's areas, referred to as the mesothelium. This lining protects organs and other tissue by lubricating them so they slide over each other easily. Malignant mesothelioma can grow to other parts of the body, and affect the lungs, the heart and abdomen. It can also trigger other symptoms, such as chest pain and fatigue.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can take 10 to 50 years before they show up and it is therefore difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. It is also possible to mistake for other illnesses, like pneumonia or flu.

Patients may experience symptoms like breathing difficulties, persistent coughing and chest pain or change in the shape of the nails and fingers known as clubbing. In addition, patients suffering from mesothelioma can develop a fluid buildup in the chest or belly (peritoneal mesothelioma) this condition is referred to as a pleural effusion.

Unlike lung cancer, mesothelioma is not detectable in imaging tests, like an X-ray or CT scan, until the cancer has grown for a number of years. In most cases, doctors will need to perform a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis. This can be done with bronchoscopy, or a needle biopsy.

These diagnostic procedures help doctors diagnose mesothelioma, and then determine the most effective treatment plan for the patient. Doctors can also review the history of an individual's asbestos exposure to determine whether he or she is at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases.

The people who are exposed to asbestos case at work are at risk of developing mesothelioma and other illnesses. Workers in construction, shipbuilding and other blue-collar professions and veterans of the United States Armed Forces are at a high risk. People who live in areas with asbestos-contaminated workers may also be at risk of developing mesothelioma. This is particularly true in the case of asbestos fibers in their clothing.

If you've been diagnosed as having mesothelioma will benefit from visiting their physician regularly for a checkup, as well as discussing any health concerns related to asbestos. This is especially important because mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, like asbestosis.

Diagnosis

The early signs of mesothelioma may look like flu, pneumonia or intestinal problems. Patients may not notice symptoms until 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos due to the long latency time. It is also difficult to diagnose due to its similarity to other diseases. The location of the affected body part may also influence the symptoms.

The first step is to visit an primary care physician or other physician who can assist in determining the root of the symptoms. They will request your medical history, and then look to see if asbestos exposure is mentioned. They will also perform a physical exam and conduct basic tests such as blood work or Xrays.

Based on the type of mesothelioma, a biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is carried out by inserting a needle in the chest or abdomen and taking a small sample. It is then examined in a lab to search for cancerous mesothelioma cells. Both types of mesothelioma are malignant, regardless of whether they are epithelioid or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent of mesothelioma cases while sarcomatoid mesothelioma accounts for the remaining 70%.

After a mesothelioma biopsies has been completed, doctors can develop a treatment plan. They usually refer the patient to a specialist to determine the best treatment option for their condition.

Mesothelioma can be caused by the inhalation of microscopic asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a group of minerals that look like bundles of tiny, slender fibers. These fibers can be found in rocks, soil and even released into the atmosphere when mining or construction. Inhaling these fibers can cause inflammation of the lung. Over time, this can result in scarring (asbestosis) and eventually mesothelioma. The cancer is usually located in the lungs, but it can also form in the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the testicles (pericardial mesothelioma).

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a cancer, that is an abnormal growth of cells that infiltrate nearby tissues and organs. Cancerous cells may also be carried through the lymphatic or bloodstream to other parts of your body.

Mesothelioma treatment options are different based on the type and location of the mesothelioma. Doctors are currently using chemotherapy and surgery to treat mesothelioma. The use of radiation therapy is typically alongside surgery and/or chemotherapy. It is used to lessen the pain and swelling caused by mesothelioma as well as kill cancerous cells.

Asbestos exposure may cause asbestosis. It is a non-cancerous condition that causes scarring on the lungs as well as on other areas of the human body. It can also lead to mesothelioma, which is a more severe type of asbestos disease that is usually fatal. Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer is most often found in the abdomen and lungs. Symptoms can include breathing problems, coughing and chest pain. Mesothelioma can be identified by X-rays and CT scans. The results of these scans show areas of increased density, which could indicate scar tissue (or an abnormal tumor). Doctors may perform the procedure of a needle biopsy or bronchoscopy to determine the difference.

A bronchoscopy can be performed by inserting an extremely thin flexible tube into the respiratory passages in order to visualize the tissue and take samples for testing. A needle biopsy is injecting a liquid into the area to remove a small sample of tissue to be tested. Both procedures are painful, but they help doctors diagnose asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms are similar those of other illnesses and can take as long as 50 years to develop after initial exposure. It is difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the time between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms. It is common for people to be misdiagnosed with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu.

While scientists don't know for the moment what causes mesothelioma they do know that exposure to asbestos can increase the risk. Asbestos can be ingested through industries like asbestos mining, manufacturing and construction. As well, asbestos-containing products are frequently transported by workers to their homes and other workplaces where the fibers can be consumed or inhaled. The asbestos types most frequently involved in mesothelioma cases are serpentine and amphibole asbestos claim fibers. The serpentine type is generally less carcinogenic than the amphibole type but both types may cause illness.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a disease that is a form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that lines internal organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals that are hard and resistant to heat. It is believed that asbestos fibers enter the lungs, irritate the membranes and then cause cancer. This irritation can lead to genetic mutations that eventually result in the growth of tumours.

The exposure to asbestos can happen in many ways, such as manufacturing, mining, repair or cleaning asbestos-containing products. It is also possible to be exposed at home by washing or wearing asbestos (they said)-containing clothes. Certain people are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma based on their family history or genetic predisposition.

Mesothelioma patients may exhibit a variety of symptoms that are usually similar to other diseases. This can make it difficult for doctors to recognize mesothelioma early. It is essential that those who have been exposed to asbestos disclose their history to their doctor and request regular checks.

Most cases of mesothelioma can be traced back to asbestos exposure at work. Studies show that environmental exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma. Asbestos dust may spread from workplaces to areas where people live. Mesothelioma is more frequent for those who live within 2000 metres of an asbestos mine or a cement plant.

Before developing mesothelioma, some people develop asbestosis. Asbestosis causes thickening of the lung, which can make it difficult to breathe. This condition can make people require oxygen at home and they may also have to undergo lung procedures like a lung lobectomy.

Certain mesothelioma patients also receive treatment for their symptoms. They might be prescribed medications to aid in breathing or take part in clinical trials for new treatments. Mesothelioma is still a fatal disease, but early detection and treatment can improve the chance of survival. Patients who have undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy as well as surgery have been able to extend their lives for as long as 10 years.